Victoria, B.C. is one of my fave destinations for a getaway, and I visit several times a year.

For those of you who don’t know this charming city, Victoria boasts some of Canada’s best museums, historic landmarks, top-notch dining, and stunning gardens – there’s really something to pique the interest of all. Oh, and I mustn’t forget to tell you that Victoria was named the third friendliest city in the world by Conde Nast Traveler readers in 2014. Pretty impressive, right?

If you’re considering planning a vacation or mini-break to this must-visit destination, now is the time to go…

Discover the twists and turns of Victoria’s historic streets, secret foodie finds, city parks and hidden viewpoints with Magnolia Hotel & Spa‘s Bikes & Beacon package, available August 15 to October 15, 2015.

With an overnight stay at Victoria’s leading boutique hotel and use of the Magnolia’s Norco city bicycles, guests will be well-equipped to explore Victoria’s charming neighbourhoods with a self-guided trail map, specially curated by the Magnolia Hotel & Spa’s team. Take in the picturesque lakes and wooded glades of Beacon Hill Park; beautiful heritage gardens at St. Ann’s Academy; Cook Street Village for artisan coffee roasters and clothing boutiques; and the striking vistas of the Olympic Mountains from Dallas Road.

While exploring Beacon Hill Park, set up lakeside and indulge in a delicious picnic prepared by Chef Aaron Lawrence from Catalano Restaurant & Cicchetti Bar. Chef’s favourite picnic goodies include a grilled chicken sandwich with tomato, double smoked bacon and arugula ($15 per person*) or locally produced salumi, cheese, house-made bread and pickled vegetables ($28 per person*), all packed and ready to go in a backpack-style hamper. Take the hotel’s GoPro camera along for the ride and capture the highlights of your biking adventures.

“Our Bikes & Beacon package introduces our new curated trails program of biking and walking routes, encouraging our valued guests to experience both the Victoria we all know and love, as well as a Victoria they wouldn’t expect,” says Bill Lewis, Manger at Magnolia Hotel & Spa. “By combining some of our favourite secret spots in the city with a few of the more familiar tourist attractions, we were able to create a spectacular, tailored adventure for our guests.”

The Magnolia Hotel & Spa team plans to launch further curated self-guided trails, helping guests to explore lesser-known neighbourhoods, and the hotel team’s favourite stops and sights along the way. Next stop, cocktails & craft beers, followed by Halloween Haunts (I’ve been on a Halloween Haunt and it was amazing!).

The Bikes and Beacon package includes a one-night stay at Magnolia Hotel & Spa, continental breakfast and complimentary use of the hotel bicycles and GoPro camera. Prices start from $259 per night (August and September stays) and $179 for October 1-15, 2015). For more details or to book your stay, contact Magnolia Hotel & Spa at 1-877-624-6654 or visit www.magnoliahotel.com.

About the author

Lesley Mirza

Lesley Mirza is the editor-in-chief for LipstickLifestyle.com and travels the world tasting, sipping, and spa-ing.

In addition to heading up LipstickLifestyle.com, Lesley has penned pieces for several publications, including Vancouver Magazine, Western Living, 29Secrets.com, InsideVancouver.ca (Tourism Vancouver's blog), and VancityBuzz.com.